UFCThe Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts organization, recognized as the largest MMA promotion in the world. The UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada and is owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC. This promotion is responsible for solidifying the sport's postion in the history-books.
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A middleweight bout between Michael Bisping and Alan Belcher will serve as the co-main event for UFC 159 on April 27 in Newark, N.J.

UFC officials confirmed the 185-pound contest to ESPN.com. A light heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen will headline the event.

Both fighters will look to get back into title contention following recent losses. Bisping (23-5) lost a guaranteed title shot against Anderson Silva when he suffered a second-round knockout loss to Vitor Belfort earlier this year.

The Brit had won five of his last six prior to the loss. Bisping holds an overall record of 13-5 in the Octagon. He has never fought for a UFC title.

Belcher (18-7) had also been a strong No. 1 contender candidate before dropping a unanimous decision to Yushin Okami at UFC 155 in December. The 28-year-old had put together a four-fight win streak ahead of the loss that included three first-round stoppages.

UFC officials have previously announced a heavyweight fight between Roy Nelson and Cheick Kongo, a lightweight bout between Jim Miller and Pat Healy and a light heavyweight contest between Phil Davis and Vinny Magalhaes for UFC 159.

I actually see this as Mike's fight to lose. Belcher is the only middleweight fighter more overrated than Bisping

I think they are both talented guys and they have the ability to beat some of the top fighters. Mike might be a little better overall fighter but it should be a competitive standup fight and Belcher has the ability to sub Mike if he tries to go the wrestling route.

Till now I still have no clear idea where these two stand in the rankings.

So Bisping's best win in his last 5 is probably Brian Stann, ranked probably around the top 10 or top 15. Then he loses to the 2nd and 3rd best middleweights in Sonnen and Belfort

Belcher beats a top 15 or top 20 fighter in Palhares then loses to an arguably top 5 fighter in Okami.

So where do they stand exactly? Rankings aside that would be a pretty fun fight.

Anyone would have liked to see Bisping-Cung Le or Bisping-Rockhold? I think Belcher should have gotten Munoz.

I'd watch any of those matchups but IMO Rockhold vs Vitor fight that was made makes more sense for the SF Champion. Maybe Jacare vs Belcher? or Jacare vs Bisping? That could have worked for me. Even Jacare vs Okami. But I think Okami is booked to Lombard right now.

Fun fight. I think it is gonna be another huge test for Belcher. I don't know if Belcher will be able to stop Bisping from working his striking, but at the same time I could see Belcher catching Bisping with a big shot and make things interesting fast.